A Dublin-born soldier killed while serving with the British Army in Iraq was posthumously honoured tonight.
Lance Corporal Ian Malone from Ballyfermot was shot dead while fighting with the 1st Battalion of the Irish Guards in the battle of Basra last year.
His mother, Mrs May Malone, received the Iraq Medal 2004 from British Ambassador His Excellency Stewart Eldon at a special ceremony in Dublin.
Lance Corporal Malone (28) was killed by a sniper outside the southern Iraqi city on April 6th, 2003, along with a Zimbabwean colleague, Piper Christopher Muzvuru (20).
He had already been awarded the Nato Kosovo 2000 Medal for services in the Balkans with the Irish Guards. Mrs Malone, who at one time heavily criticised the war in Iraq, said tonight the family took comfort from the fact he died doing something he loved.
"I suppose he would be privileged to be here, but we'd sooner have him back," Mrs Malone said.
"He was very proud of his work, he had a good time and he travelled a lot. "I suppose he would be honoured. He always wanted to be famous but he's famous in the wrong way."
Lance Corporal Malone joined the Irish Guards in 1997 and had tours of duty in Britain, Poland, Canada, Oman, Germany and Kosovo. He was also a valued member of the regimental pipe band.
Ambassador Eldon said it was an honour to present the medals saying "they are recognition of the contribution he made and what he stood for".
The Ambassador added that the honour was also in recognition of the steadfastness with which the family dealt with his death.
PA